Chief Information Security Officer—senior executive responsible for an organisation's information security.
The Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is the senior executive responsible for an organisation's information security strategy, governance, and operations. CISOs develop security programmes, manage security teams, advise leadership on cyber risk, and ensure regulatory compliance. The role requires both technical understanding and business acumen. CISOs report to CEOs, CIOs, or boards depending on organisational structure. Many SMEs use virtual CISO (vCISO) services for strategic security leadership.
Why It Matters
The DSC Perspective:
Security needs senior leadership. Whether internal CISO, vCISO, or equivalent role, someone must own security strategy and advise leadership. Without security leadership, programmes drift and risk accumulates.